Rising Ospreys star James King signs new three-year deal

Young Ospreys star James King has signed a new three-year deal with the Welsh region.

Young Ospreys star James King has signed a new three-year deal with the Welsh region.

The versatile 22-year old, who began playing rugby with Mold RFC as a schoolboy, has been with the region since early 2008 after accepting an invitation to move south after attacting the attention of Ospreys talent-spotters.

He made his debut for the region against Glasgow in October 2009, his first start coming two weeks later away to Bath in the LV= Cup.

2011/12 was his breakthrough campaign, his 24 appearances throughout the season including outings off the bench in the PRO12 semi-final and final.

In total he has made 48 Ospreys appearances to date and scored two tries, the second of which came in this week's win over the Scarlets at the Liberty Stadium.

Since returning from injury at the end of October he has caught the eye with an impressive run of form, during which he made his Heineken Cup bow, playing the entire 160 minutes of the double header against Toulouse.

"I've been here since 2008 and it's gone well for me," said King.

"This is my region and I've very happy to stay here.

"Last season I was fortunate enough to get involved a lot more and get more game time.

"I got to play in the final, which was really great.

"I'm still developing as a player though and this is the place for me to do that.

"The Ospreys have a great record for providing players to Wales, especially forwards.

"With so many being away there will always be younger guys coming into the squad, that's where I got my chance originally.

"I want to be playing week-in, week-out for the Ospreys.

"Ideally I'd like to be able to force my way into play regularly in the back-row but if that's not possible, and if the team need it, I'm happy playing in the second row.

"Just to be out there in the Ospreys shirt is the most important bit."

Andy Lloyd, Ospreys Operations manager added: "James signing a new contract is a huge boost for the Ospreys.

"He's an outstanding athlete who can play anywhere in the second row and anywhere in the back row.

"I've got no doubt that it's only a matter of time until James goes on to play international rugby so everyone at the Ospreys should be delighted that we've secured him for another three years."

King has been touted as a future Welsh international but has now revealed he could also play for Australia or England.

King has been capped by Wales at under-20 level. but did not take part in the “Steve Shingler” match – a clash with France that was deemed an official Wales second team fixture by the International Rugby Board – so is still eligible to play for three countries.

King was born in Australia at Wodonga, Victoria, 190 miles north east of Melbourne, to English parents.

A nomadic life has seen him live in Wolverhampton and North Wales – his mother recently emigrated to New Zealand – before setting up home at Bridgend on joining the Ospreys.

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